Portable acetylene generator



May 10 1927' w, c. SWIFT PORTABLE ACETYLENE GENERATOR Filed Jan. 22. 1925 2. Sheets-Sheet 2 I if? w 1 VENTOR A TTORNE Y Patented May 10, 1927.

UNITED STATES.

WILLIS C. SWIFT, OF WEST ALEXANDRIA, OHIO.

PORTABLE ACETYLENE GENERATOR.

Application filed January 22, 1925.

This invention'relates to acetylene generators and particularly to apparatus of this nature which is portable.

The object of the invention is to provide an acetylene generator which is simple in structure, economical to manufacture and eflicient in operation.

A further object of the invention is to provide an acetylene generator having means 1 for automatically feeding .the carbide into the gas-generating tank and in only such amounts or portions as may be required.

A further object of the invention is to provide means which are simple and efficient for controlling the feeding of the carbide automatically under the control of the pressure of the gas generator.

A further object of the invention is to provide a transparent hopper or receptacle to containthe carbide whereby the consumption of the carbide maybe ascertained at a glance.

A further object of the invention is to provide means to effect automatically the release of the gas generated as the pressure of the gas builds up to a desired degree of pressure.

Other objects of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter.

The invention consists substantially in the construction, combination, location and relative arrangement of parts, all as will more fully appear hereinafter as shown in the ac companying drawings and finally pointed .7. out in the appended claims.

Referring to the accompahiying drawings:

Figure 1 is a view in vertical central section, a portion of the gas generating tank being broken off, showing a structure of acetylene generator constructed in accordance with the principles of my invention, the means for effecting the automatic control of the feed of the carbide being in section on the line l 1, Fig. 2.

Fig. 2 is a broken view in elevation showing locking means for locking the apparatus against operation.

Fig. 3 is a broken detail view in section through the service gas outlet nozzle.

Fig. 4 is a broken detail View similar to Fig. 1 showing a modified arrangement of diaphragm, the spring and automatic valve arrangement for controlling the gas pressure bezng omltted.

The same part is designated by the same Serial No. 3,997.

reference numeral wherever itoccurs throughout the several views.

In the construction and use of portable acetylene gas generators for household and other similar purposes, it is desirable tobe able to ascertain at a glance the amount of carbide remaining unused in the apparatus in order to ascertain without detaching and removing the closure caps, tops or the like when and whether or not refilled or a fresh supply of graphite is required.

It is among the special purposes of my present invention to provide a portable generator of the nature and character referred to, in which is employed a transparent hopper or container for the carbide or simple and efiicient means which will enable the user to ascertain at a glance What amount of carbide is contained within the hopper at anyinstant of time.

t is also desirable in the use of acetylene generators of the character referred to, in order to render such use safe and reliable and to avoid dangers, to provide means which aresimple and effective for automati( ly controlling the feed of the carbide to the generator tank according to the pressure of the gas generated.

It is also among the special purposes of my present invention to provide a safety release valve which is automatically controlled by the pressure of the generated gas and operating to not only permit the escape of gas in case of excessive pressure, but to arrest the further generation of gas until normal conditions of internal pressure are again restored.

It is also desirable, in apparatus of this nature, to provide means whereby the unerator may be maintained without efi'ecting gas generation, although charged with sufficient carbide and water to effect gas generation, when gas generation is not desired. In other words, it is desirable to stop the feed of the carbide to the generator tank when gas generation is not required, such means being of a character to permit normal feed and gas generation to be resumed as necessity therefor arises.

It is also among the special purposes of my present invention to provide means which are simple and effective for arresting the feed of the carbide to the generator chamber when gas generation is notdesired, and which arresting means may be released under normal control for normal operation of the generator when it is desired to resume I my present invention to provide automatic safety feed devices for the carbide for controlling the feed thereof from the hopper containing-the carbide into the gas generating chamber, said carbide feed devices being controlled by the degree of pressure of the gas generated.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown apparatus and devices in one illustrative embodiment of my invention for accomplishing the special and other ferred to.

Referring to the drawing, 1 designates a hopper or container for the carbide which is of such construction, arrangement or material as to render visible at a glance the height of the carbide contained therein. In the embodiment shown in the drawings this container is in the form of an open-ended cylinder, and in the illustrative form shown,

PUIPOSQS re- -visibility of the contents is secured by constructing this container of transparent glass. To the top and bottom ends of the container 1 are applied, respectively. the top cap 2 and the bottom member 3. If desired, and in order to render the joints between the-cap plates or covers 2, 3, and the ends of the container 1 gas-tight, rubber or other gaskets 4, 5, may be interposed, respectively, between the members 2, 3, and the ends of the container 1. The caps or covers 2, 3, may be held clamped tightly against the ends of the container 1 in any suitable or convenient manner. As shown in Fig. 1 I employ for this purpose suitable bolts 6, having heads 7 and nuts 7 which serve to effectively clamp the members 2, 3, upon the ends of the container 1.

The container may be provided with a suitably closed opening at any convenient point for delivering the carbide thereinto. T have found it convenient to provide the feed opening into the container or hopper 1 at the lower end of the hopper when the latter is in position for use. Where the feed opening into the hopper is thus located, it is necessary and convenient to detach the hopper from the generator tank and to invert the same when the supply of carbide to the hopper is to be replenished. In such case it is desirable to provide means to form a base support upon which the hopper, when inverted, may be squarely supported. Such a support may be constructed in any convenient manner. I have shown a simple aropening 3 and is placed inside the bottom member 3 and having a portion extending through the opening 3 upon which is threaded a screw ring 10. Extending through the rings 9 and'10 is the shank portion of a stopper device 11, the annular flange 11 of which fits against the ring 10 with an annular gasket 12 interposed therebetween to make a gas-tight joint. The stopper or plug 11 maybe clamped and held in place in any suitable-manner to permit its ready. and easy removal whenever the hopper is to be refilled. A simple arrangement is shown wherein a yoke member 14 is employed which is suitably hinged to ring 10, through which yoke member passes a jamb screw 13 arranged to bear against the outer end of the stopper 11. When it is desired to remove the stopper to permit the hopper to be refilled with carbide the jainb screw 13 is backed off and the yoke swun down out of the way thereby permitting the stopper 11 to be withdrawn. Mounted on the inner end of the stopperdl is a perforated tube 15 preferably having a strainer 16 applied around the inner end thereof which extends interiorly through the bottom member 3. A strainer .of cloth or other suitable fabric well answers the purpose. This strainer prevents carbide dust from passing through the bore 17 of the tube and stopper 11. A nozzle 17 is connected to the stopper 11 with the bore thereof in communication with the bore 17 of the stopper and tube. This nozzle is to permit the application of a service gas pipe thereto.

Secured to the bottom cover member 3 by brazing or otherwise is a cylindrical portion or tubing 3*, the lower end portion of which is flanged or otherwise spun inwardly, as shown at 3, to form a seat. Within this seat is received a rubber or other form of gasketv 18 which is interposed between the hopper 1 and the water or generator tank 19 to form a gas-tight joint. The hopper 1 when positioned upon the upper end of the water tank 19 may be detachably secured in place in any suitable or convenient manner. For this purpose yoke arms 22 are secured to the cylindrical neck portion 3, said yoke arms receiving wing nuts 21 carried by bolts 20 which are pivotally connected as at 20 upon the generator tank 19. By backing oh 20, and swinging said bolts out of engagement With the yoke arms22, the hopper may be easily detached from the water tank 19 and removed therefrom.

In the structure shown in Fig. 1 the gasket 4 interposed between the top or cover plate 2 and the end of the hopper 1 is formed into a diaphragm which is employed in connection with a plunger 23 and spring 24 for controlling the. feed of the carbide from the hopper 1 into the generator tank 19. Secured centrally to the lower end of the hopper bottom 3, or forming part thereof, is a cone member 3 in a lower cylindrical extension of which works the tapered enlargement 23 of the plunger 23. In order to control the feed of the carbide from the hopper :1 into the water tank 1.9, and to prevent the carbide contents of the hopper from feeding too freely through the cylindrical extension 3 pf the bottom plate 3. I provide an inverted funnel 23 which is loosely mounted near the lower end of the plunger '28, said inverted funnel being prevented from shifting down on to the enlargement 23 by means of a pin 23. i I

In operation when". the plunger' 23 is moved downwardly it permits only the amount of carbide carried between t e tapered enlargement 23' and the inverted funnel 23 to be fed through the feed exten-;

sion 3 from the hopper into the gas-generating tank 19, thus securing only a comparatively small amount of' feed of-the carbide to the water in the tank 19 on the downward movement of the plunger. 23, no further feed of the carbide being permitted until the plunger is again lifted to receive a fresh supply of carbide from the hopper .into the space between the enlargre ment 23 and the inverted funnel 23*. .n this manner I avoid all possibility, of a continuous danger of carbide from the hopper into the gasgenerating tank, and I effect the feed of the carbide only in small successive increments or portions.

The plunger 23 isin the form ofa tube the central bore 23 of which affords a passage for the generated gases from the generator tank 19 to the upper end of the tube, and associate with the upper end of the plunger an atomatic safety release valve device to prevent-accumulation of excessive pressures within the apparatus. The safety release device includes a tubular extension 23 having gas-tight connec-- tion to the upper'end of the tube 23. The upper end of the extension 23 is connected thereto by an inverted gas-tight cap 23, through the upper end of which is formed an opening formed interiorly with a down ,wardly and inwardly extending annular .valve seat 23. Cooperating w1th this valve seat is a valve 23 which 1s positioned within the cap 23 and is normally held seated against the seat 23 by meansof a spring 23*. The stem 23 of the valve 23 extends through the opening in the end of the cap 23 A spring casing 2 is secured to the hopper top or cover plate 2. This casing is hence opening the bore 23 of the plunger for the release of the gas contained in the apparatus. This release continues until the gas pressure again reducesto a point permitting the plunger 23 to-be shifted downwardlv whereupon the spring 23 again 2111- tomatically causes the valve 23" to be seated against its seat 23 thereby arresting further escape of the generated gas.

In the central opening of the diaphragm gasket 4 is a casing '5'. This member 5 is of a general cup-shape, the bottom of which is drilled or tapped to receive the threaded end or portion of plunger 23. The central opening in the diaphragm gasket 4 may be made gas-tight in any suitable or convenient manner. In the arrangement shown I provide for this purpose a circular plate 5" which, by means of a nut 5 serves to clampthe boundary edge of the diaphragm gasket 4 against the base of the casingii If desired, and toensure a gastightconnection at this point the boundary edge of the diaphragm gasket may be formed with a raised rib or head 5 to bereoei'ved and fit into a seat formed in the base wall of the member 5. The spring 24: is disposed within the cupmember 5 and bears atone end against the bottom of the cup member 5 and atthe other end against the cap 2 of the casing 2 By this arrangement the diaphragm which is connected to the carbide feed plunger 23 is maintained between the two opposing forces, namely, the tension of spring 24 on one side and the pressure" of gas generated within the i apparatus on the other side. The tension of spring 241118) be so proportioned that when the gas pressure within the apparatus exceeds a given degree, say, for example, 10 to 15 pounds, per square inch, the diaphragm is lifted thereby raising'the plunger 23 sufiiciently for the release valve 23 to .be unseated, permitting the excess pressure to escape until the desired predetermined pressure within the apparatus is again established. This I regard as a valual'xle safety prevention of my invention. If desired, a supplementary spring 24 may be interposed between'the end of the member 5 and the cap 2, in' orderto ensure a proper safe operation of the automatic release attachment. The extent of upward movement of the diaphragm may be lim ited in any suitable or convenient manner. For this purpose I have shown the base ring of member 5*- in the form of an annular flange 95 which is arranged to engage the edge of the central opening in the cap plate 2.

It may sometimes be desirable, in order to secure economy in the consumption of carbide and in gas generation to provide means whereby the feed of the carbide, and hence the generation of the gas, may be stopped and started at will. the daytime when the use of gas is not required it is desirable to stop the feed of the carbide and to maintain the same cut ofi' ,until gas generation is again required. For this purpose, and in accordance with my invention, I provide control handles 26, shown in this instance in the form of hell crank levers which are pi'votally connected at their angles, as at 27, to the stationary casing 2. The short arms of the bell cran (3 26 are connected as at 30, by pivot links 28 and studs 29 to the casing 5 The arrangement is such that when the pivotal points 27, 30 and 29 are brought into vertical line or dead-center relation with-respect to each other, the member 5 is raised sufficiently high to maintain the enlargement 23 as a shoulder on the top plate 2.

closure to prevent the feed of carbide from the hopper into the generating tank. The

parts may be held or locked in this position by the free end of the long arms of the levers 26 resting on or engaging against a In this manner the parts are locked in position to prevent the feed of carbide to the generator tank and hence the apparatus is locked against gas generation. Whenever it is desired to start the apparatus again the long arms of'the levers 26 are rocked soas to carry the pivotal points 30, 27 and 29 out of line or dead-center relation with respect to each other, thereby permitting the diaphragm 4 to again be brought under the in- .fluence of the pressures exerted on opposite sides thereof, as above explained, thereby permitting the normal operation of the apparatus for carbide feed and gas generation. \Vhen the long arms of the locking levers 23 are thrown down into locking position, the member 5 is raised against the tension of springs 24 and 24" and therefore when it is desired to start gas generation by merely swinging upwardly the long arms of the levers 26 to release the dead-center relation of the pivotal points referred to, the springs automatically shift the member 55- downwardly thereby carrying the plunger 23 downwardly and permitting a supply of carbide to be again delivered from the hopper into the tank 19 for gas generation.

For instance, during While I have shown in Fig. 1 and described the gasket 4 interposed between the closure top 2 and the carbide hopper 1 as constituting the control diaphragm for the carbide feed plunger 23, this structure is not essential, and in Fig. 4 I have shown an arrangement wherein the diaphragm is disposed outside of the hopper. In this arrangement the hopper 1 is closed at its upper end by a cover cap 31 through a central opening in which operates the plunger 23, a loote-fitting washer 32 being secured in the central opening of the cap and fitting loosely around the plunger. A chamber formed of the members 33, 34, is mounted on the cap 31, said members 33,34. being clamped together at their edges and having interposed therebetween the outer peripheral edge portion 35 of a diaphragm 36. In other respects the arrangement is the same as above described with reference to Fig. 1, the various details, however, being omitted in Fig. 4.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that I provide an exceedingly simple, portable acetylene gas generator apparatus which is automatic in its action in feeding the carbide from the hopper into the water tank and hence in gas generation; wherein the feed of the carbide is effected in successive, comparatively small portions; wherein the control of the feed is effected automatically; wherein provision is made against excessive pressures of gas within the apparatus; wherein the feed of carbide may be arrested at any time and the apparatus locked against further feed of carbide,

and hence against further gas generation, while at the same time gas generation may be resumed'at any time as exigencies may require, and wherein the amount of carbide contained in the hopper may be ascertained by merely a glance.

Having now set forth the objects and nature of my invention and illustrative structures embodying the principles thereof, what I claim as new and useful and of my own-invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In an acetylene gas generating apparatus, a transparent open-ended container for the carbid, a flexible diaphragm forming a closure for one end of the carbid container, a cone-shaped cover member for the other end of the container, said cover member having a central restricted opening therethrough, a rod extending longitudinally through the center of said container and into said restricted opening and secured at one end to the diaphragm, a pair of valves spaced apart and mounted on said rod at its other end, one of said valves being fixed to move with said rod and the other mounted for free movement along said rod. said valves operating to control said restricted opening and a spring exterior to said diaphragm and bearing thereon.

2. In an acetylene generating apparatus, a transparent open-curled container for the carbid, a. flexible diaphragm forming a closure for one end of the carbid container, a cone-shaped cover nember tor the other end a central restricted opening therethrough, a rod extending longitudinally through the center of said container and into said restricted opening and secured at one end to the diaphragm, a pair of valves mounted on said rod atits other end, one of said valves being fixed to move with said rod and the other freely movable along said rod, a stop to limit the approach of the movable valve towards the fixed valve, said valves operating to control said restricted opening and a spring disposed exteriorly to said dia- I phragm and bearing thereon.

3. Inan acetylene gas generating apparatus, a water tank having an open upper end formed with a seating therearound, a transparent open-ended container for the carbid, a flexible diaphragm for closing one end of said container, a cover for the other end of said container, said cover having a central extension formed with a central restricted opening therethrough, a rod extending longitudinally through said chamber and into sa1d restricted opening, and secured at one end to said diaphragm, a valve carried by the other end of said rod and arranged to control said restricted opening, said cover having a portion forming a support adapted to encompasss the open-end of said water tank and to rest on said seating, a packing gasket interposedbetween said seating, and said supporting portion, and clamping devices ivotallly connected to said Water tank and etachable enga ing said extension to removably clamp said container in-position upon said tank.

4. In an acetylene gas generating apparatus, a transparent open-ended carbid container, a flexible diaphragm forming a closure for one end of said container, a cover for the other end of said container, said cover having a central extension provided with a central restricted openin therethrough, a rod extending longitudina 1y through said con tainer and into said restricted opening and secured at one end to said diaphragm, a valve carried by the other end of said rod to control said restricted opening, a spring arranged to exert its tension on sa1d diaphragm, a

backing plate for said diaphragm, and clamp.

rods passing through said backing plate and said cover and operating to draw said diaphragm and cover against the respective ends of said container, said clamp rods having extensions beyond the diaphragm and backing to form a base support for sa1d container.

5. In an acetylene gas generating apparatus, a transparent. open-ended carbid container, a flexible diaphragm forming a closure for one end of said container and a cover for the other end, said cover having an extension formed with a central restricted opening therethrough, a rod extending 1011- of the container, said cover member having posed between the end wall thereof and sai I diaphragm.

6. In an acetylene gas generating apparatus, a transparent open-ended carbid container, a flexible diaphragm forming a closure for one end of said container, a cover for the other end of said container, said" cover having a central extension provided with a central restricted opening therethrough, a rod extending longitudinally through said container and into said restricted opening, and secured at one end to said diaphragm, a valve ,carried by the other end of said rod to control said restricted opening, a backing for said diaphragm, said backing having a central extension, a casing housed Within the extension of said backing said casing having sealed connection with said diaphragm and a spring housed within said casing and interposed between the end wall of said backing extension and said casing.

7 In an acetylene gas generating apparatus, a transparent open-ended carbid container, a flexible diaphragm forming a closure for one end of said container, a cover for the other end of said container, said cover having a central extension provided with a central restricted opening therethrough, a rod extending longitudinally through said chamber and into said re-' stricted opening, and secured at one end to said diaphragm, a valve carried by the other end of said rod to control said restricted opening, a backing for said diaphragm, said backing having a central extension, a casing housed within the extension of said backing having sealed connection with said diaphragm and a spring housed within said casin and interposed between the end wall of sa1d backing extension and said casing, a bell crank lever pivoted to said backing extension, and a link connecting the short arm of said lever to said casing.

8. In an acetylene gasgenerating apparatus, a transparent open-ended carbid container, a flexible diaphragm forming a closure for one end of said container, a cover for the other end of said container, said cover having a central extension provided with a centralv restricted opening therethrough, a tubular rod extending longitudinally through said chamber and into said restricted opening, and passing through and secured at one end to said diaphragm, a valve carried by the other end of said rod to control said restricted opening, a backing for said diaphragm, said backing havin a central extension with a closure end wa a spring housed within said central extension and interposed between.said closure .end wall and said diaphragm, said tubular rod having a cap at its end exteriorly to the diaphragm and a spring seated valve to close an opening in said cap, said valve having a steam extending through the opening in the cap and adapted to unseat the valve when said stein abuts against the end wall of said central extension.

9. In an acetylene gas generating apparatus, a transparent open-ended carbid container, a flekiblediaphragmforming a closure for one end of said container, a cover with a central restricted opening therethrouglh a rod extending longitudinally through said container and into said restricted opening and secured at one end-to said diaphragm, a valve carried by the other end of said rod to control said restricted opening, a spring arranged .to exert its tension on said diaphragm, a backing plate for said diaphragm, and clamp rods passing through said backing plateand said cover respectively, and operating to draw said diaphragm and cover against the respective ends ofsaid container.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand on this 24th day of July WILLIS C. SWIFT. 

